In Between Frame Sizes?

[Kristen Michelle]

Hello! I am new to these forums, so forgive me if this is in the wrong place. I am a 5’2″ girl (28″ inseam/standover). I have a 2014 Trek X-Caliber 7, which is a 14.5″ frame with 29″ wheels. I love the bike, but it often feels heavy and difficult for me to control. The newer versions of the same bike come with “Smart Wheel” sizing, where the smaller frames have smaller (27.5″) wheels. So I ordered a 2017. The frame sizes on the newer bikes come in 13.5″ and 15.5″ (not 14.5″ like my old bike). According to Trek’s website, my height should put me on a 15.5″ frame, however my LBS fit me for a 13.5″. I believe they did that because the stand over on the 15.5″ frame is ~3cm taller than my pubic bone height.

I just picked up the bike and took it on the trails, where I felt huge on the bike. When seated, my backside was almost off the rear of the saddle, and my foot touched the wheel when turning while test riding in the parking lot (didn’t notice this much on the trail). In the attack position, the handlebars felt really close to my chest. I’m not sure if this is because the bike is too small, or because I’m just used to riding the big 29er.

Is anyone else in between frame sizes? What modifications can I make to a smaller frame for a better fit and more powerful/comfortable ride?

Thanks!

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Top: 2014 (29er), Bottom: 2017 (650b)[/caption]

[spazjensen]

This is an interesting predicament. I went through that several years ago. I went with the smaller frame and I adjusted the saddle all the back in the seat clamp then rolled/turned the handlebars forward slightly to give a little more reach in front. The seat post was kept awkwardly high compared to the look of the frame, but my legs and feet were where they should be on the pedals. Thats all I could do back then.  You could try that, and might give you little breathing room. Or maybe if there is a longer stem you could use. It was along time ago for me before all the parts that are available now.

But I have to say that either way that sounds and looks like some monster wheels on such a small frame. I still and will continue to ride 26″.

 

 

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